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CLIA partners with South Pacific Tourism Organisation

Theodore Koumelis - 04 September 2014, 05:42

Announced during the United Nations Small Islands Developing States meeting in Samoa this week, the partnership will encourage sustainable cruise tourism which can deliver economic and social benefits to the South Pacific.

Peak cruise industry body Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia has launched a partnership with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) to promote the sustainable growth of cruise tourism in the region.

Announced during the United Nations Small Islands Developing States meeting in Samoa this week, the partnership will encourage sustainable cruise tourism which can deliver economic and social benefits to the South Pacific.

The South Pacific is the most popular cruise destination for Australian and New Zealand cruisers, with CLIA statistics showing almost 350,000 holidaymakers from the two nations enjoyed cruises to the region last year.

SPTO Chief Executive Ilisoni Vuidreketi said the new partnership would enable both organisations to combine their resources, networks and experience to create an important leadership forum in the region.

"The projects implemented through this partnership will aim to serve the interests of both the SPTO member nations and the cruise lines that bring tourists to the islands,” Mr Vuidreketi said.

"Specifically, it will create a platform of information and insights for developing a coordinated and collaborative strategic plan for cruise tourism in the Pacific.”

Mr Vuidreketi said the partnership would enable South Pacific nations to better understand the cruise industry and address practical issues such as the facilities and services that cruise lines require.

“At the end of the day, for cruise lines and member nations, the partnership will provide essential information and analysis on capacity, source markets, destinations and shoreside experiences plus an assessment of challenges and constraints of operating in the region," Mr Vuidreketi said.

"This partnership gives us the opportunity to share any major development activities and opportunities and to work towards mutually beneficial outcomes in terms of the growth of the cruise tourism sector."

CLIA Australasia Executive Director Neil Linwood said the partnership recognised the importance of sustainable cruise tourism in the beautiful South Pacific region.

“It is very important to our member cruise lines that we work collaboratively with the region to develop cruise tourism in a manner which will help to deliver further economic benefits to our South Pacific neighbours over the years ahead,” Mr Linwood said.

Mr Linwood said the importance of cruising in the region had been underlined this week by the release of a report which showed that cruise tourism injected A$34 million into the Vanuatu economy last year and brought a further A$18 million in indirect economic benefits. The report also highlighted a further A$35 million of net economic benefit opportunity based on further investment in Vanuatu’s cruise tourism sector.

Funded by the Australian Government, World Bank Group member IFC and cruise operator Carnival Australia, the report also showed that the cruise industry provided more than 3000 employment opportunities in Vanuatu, with twice as many visitors arriving by ship than by plane.

Despite the US and world economies staggering from crisis to crisis and incidents involving cruise ships, including Costa Concordia and Carnival, the international cruise industry is booming, with cruising remaining the fastest growing segment of the tourism industry, according to a new report.

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) found in 2012 cruising picked to up by five percent to 17.2 million from 16.3 million in 2011, and they estimate this year, despite the global and US economic scenarios, cruising will increase by a further two percent to 17.6 million passengers.

Accommodating ongoing strong bookings, cruise operators are putting into service more, newer and bigger ships, Washington Times reported.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Breakaway, which was floated out of its building dock in February, now entering service in May, accommodating 4,000 passengers, home ported in New York and initially sailing to Bermuda, to be quickly followed by sister ship Norwegian Getaway, which will enter service on 1 February 2014, operating seven day sailings out of Miami.

Sklarewitz reports that Norwegian Cruise Line paid nearly $US1.6 billion for the two vessels, then spending about $US910 million for the Norwegian Breakaway Plus due for delivery in 2017, which will carry 4,200 passengers and be the largest liner in Norwegian’s fleet, with Norwegian also having an option to order another Breakaway Plus liner for 2017 delivery.

Over at Carnival Cruise Lines, they have just spent $US155 million redesigning and refitting the Carnival Destiny, adding decks, cabins , a waterworks, increasing capacity from 2,624 to 3,006 passengers and renaming her Carnival Sunshine.

Bookings and availability of funds also do not seem to be an issue with Sklarewitz reporting that Costa Cruises’, Costa Deliziosa’s 100 day round the world cruise, with fares from $US12,000 per person and up to $US30,000 per person for a Grand Suite, sold out within four days. Costa also, despite the Costa Concordia disaster, has also ordered a new vessel for delivery in October 2014, the Costa Diadima, which will accommodate 4,947 passengers and reported to cost more than $US700 million.

Introduction from CLIA Website
This land of mystery, legend and natural wonders also hosts sophisticated cruise travelers who want to experience first-hand the diverse cultures, abundant wildlife and beauty of Africa.

Worldwide Destinations: Africa

Best known for its exotic wildlife, rolling grasslands, vast deserts and safari adventures, Africa also is a continent of many cultures and beautiful beaches. From Mombasa's Old Town of exotic colors in Kenya to the magnificent wine producing valleys and dramatic views of Cape Town, a cruise to this region of the world offers everything from historic museum visits to close encounters with Zebra.

For vacationers who want to go further into Africa or spend more time at embarkation/disembarkation ports, most cruise lines offer escorted safari cruise tour options that take guests into central and eastern Africa, and pre- and post-cruise packages that include in-depth tours of Africa's cities.

Some ships visit ports in Africa during world cruises, while others sail voyages from Lisbon (Portugal) and other European countries as well as from India and Cape Town. Itineraries to Africa, for the most part, do not strictly visit only ports on the continent. Stops along the way to Africa may include port calls in the Seychelles, Spain, Greece, India and Egypt. Africa cruise itineraries tend to be longer than most cruises and can last more than 20 days.

With the Cruise Guide for Worldwide Destinations you can view today's top cruise lines and where they sail. To find the cruise(s) that suits you best. . http://www.cruising.org/

Flashback: Delegates to Seatrade Conventionin Miami saw the Tanzania Tourist Board raise its profile and presence with its first-time Coffee Break Sponsorship on Tuesday, March 4, prior to the State-of-the-Industry Address. Tanzania will highlight Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar as its exotic Indian Ocean ports of call, as well as shore excursions to some of Africa's most famous national parks and game reserves. Showcasing the diversity of Tanzania and Zanzibar's tourist attractions at booth # 1261, the six-person Tanzania delegation to Seatrade includes Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) of Directors, Mrs. Vicky Swai and Mrs. Scolastica Ponera; Koz Gamba, Chairman of the Tanzania Cruise Tourism Committee, Mr. James Lembeli, Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA); Mrs. Sabaah Ali, Zanzibar Tourist Corporation ... (continued)